Introduction to Game Sound Design (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

The student is personally in charge of setting the weekly working hours towards the course completion. There is no minimum or maximum time for how long the student can work on the course, as long as the course is completed before the end of the spring semester 2026.

Objective

The object of the course: In the Introduction to the game sound design course, you will learn the basic terminology and theoretical framework of music and sound design in games. You will also become acquainted with sound design conventions and methods. After completing this course, you will have learned the basics of the theoretical framework of game sound design. You do not need to know how to create music or sounds on this course. This course is directed for people looking to learn what is in the world of sound design, and how to communicate with sound designers in co-creative environment. Course competences: Cross-disciplinary competence in games: You can apply skills and knowledge in at the sound design field of game production. Game production competence: You can produce value for a game project while working in a specific specialist role. Business competence: You understand the meaning of contracts, offers, licenses and copyrights in their own work. The learning objectives of the course: After completing the course, you will know the basic theoretical framework of sound design in games. You are familiar with the basic conventions and terminology of audio production. You have general understanding of what kind of audio and musical elements there are and how they affect the game experience. You also have general knowledge of copyright related to audio, and the business aspects of the audio design field.

Content

The course is separated to distinct topics related to audio design work. You will learn the relationship between visual imagery and audio, sound design vocabulary, general sound design conventions, audio copyrights and business aspects. You will also learn how to communicate with sound designers and other creatives in the game industry.

Location and time

Nonstop, independent of time or place.

Materials

Mandatory learning materials will be provided in the course Moodle-space. Learning materials include videos, articles and e-books from Jamk’s library. Recommended literature: Aristopoulos, M. The Game Music Toolbox, 2023. Enns, M. Understanding Game Scoring, 2021. Phillips, W. A Composer’s Guide to Game Music, 2014. Sinclair, J-L. Principles of Game Audio and Sound Design, 2020.

Teaching methods

The Introduction to Game Sound Design course is useful for both aspiring sound designers and other game development professionals who are looking to understand what the audio department does, and how to communicate with them. The course will be implemented by pre-recorded lectures and online learning assignments. During the course the student will learn the basic terminology and the general mindset of music and sound design in games in theory; the student will learn what is the role of sound design and the sound designer in games. The course will be executed fully online, with all assignments and learning materials delivered via Moodle. The student can work on the course at their own pace but is recommended that the student paces their learning by studying one topic per week. To advance in the course, the student must demonstrate their understanding of the topics via quizzes. At the end of the course the student will demonstrate their learning by delivering a Sound Design Document, a summary of their learning and completing an exam. The use of ChatGPT and other similar tools is prohibited on the course.

Exam schedules

The course assessment is based 50-50 on the final exam, and the Final Boss assignment which consists of writing a Sound Design Document and a learning summary. The exam is available online on the course Moodle page after all other learning assignments have been completed. The exam can be attempted up to three times, and the grade from the latest attempt will be used in the course assessment.

Completion alternatives

You have the right to apply for recognition of your studies if you have prior learning (e.g. university studies completed elsewhere) that can be accredited towards the degree you are currently completing. The recognition of prior learning is possible in three primary ways: accreditation (replacement or inclusion), recognition of informal learning and studification. More precise info: Jamk Degree Regulations, section 17.

Student workload

One credit corresponds to 27 hours of work, which means that the load of 5 credits is approximately 135 hours. The students are required to manage their pace of learning by themselves and will schedule the 135 working hours according to their own calendars.